What Are Native American Grinding Stones?
Last Updated Apr 2, 2020 1:33:39 AM ET
A Native American grinding stone was a tool used to grind various foods, such as corn or acorns, to prepare them for cooking. The stones were part of a two-piece tool set consisting of a mano and a metate.
The large stone metate had a bowl-like hollow that held food. The mano was held and used to grind the food against the hard surface of the metate. The resulting grounds had a mealy texture.
Some Native American tribes would use a large, communal rock for grinding, and the women of the tribe would gather to socialize while working. An example of this occurrence is the California Indian Grinding Rock in Capitol Park.
More From Reference
Understanding D-Day: What Is the History of the Normandy Invasion?
8 Simple Ways You Can Make Your Workplace More Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Folks
How Do Archaeologists Determine the Purpose and Meaning of Ancient Monuments?
Mythology 101: A Basic History of Zeus the Greek God
What Services Does the Clever Portal Offer Students for Distance Learning?
When Was the First Memorial Day?